test case

noun

1
: a representative case whose outcome is likely to serve as a precedent
2
: a proceeding brought by agreement or on an understanding of the parties to obtain a decision as to the constitutionality of a statute

Examples of test case in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What needs to be done is to test smartly and design test cases using critical thinking that will cover the user stories from multiple possible scenarios and edge cases. Joel Montvelisky, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 The government’s aggressive move achieved its goal of generating a test case, but ultimately ended in failure. Rachel E. Rosenbloom / Made By History, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025 Berks County includes Reading, which has a large Latino and Hispanic population, and could offer a test case over whether a comedian’s controversial comments about Puerto Rico at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally last month could impact the former president. Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 Even if the Florida courts succeed at filling in the details — a process that could require multiple test cases — the amendment would be a bad one. The Editors, National Review, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for test case 

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of test case was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near test case

Cite this Entry

“Test case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test%20case. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Legal Definition

test case

see case sense 1a

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!